Bhubaneswar: Nearly three years after Keonjhar-based trader Rashmi Rajan was kidnapped and murdered for ransom in May 2007, the Additional District Sessions Judge Court -2 on Saturday framed charges against 12 accused, including notorious gangster Hyder in the sensational crime, paving the way for the start of trial in the case.

“Charges were framed against 12 accused in the case. The investigation took two years while one year was lost in case commitment and charge frame,” Arup Chand, defence counsel said.

Hyder was the mastermind in kidnap and murder of the mines trader. Dreaded criminals from neighbouring Jharkhand and Bihar were also involved in the high-profile kidnapping and murder case.

Rashmi along with his driver was abducted by his friend from Bhubaneswar on May 24, 2007.  Few days later, the bodies Rashmi and his driver were recovered by police.

Sources said that Rashmi’s family had coughed up nearly Rs 1 crore for his release, but in vain. Meanwhile, trial into the case would start from April 5.